2019

WMUH Celebrates Its 70th Anniversary

The station went live in the academic year of 1948-1949.

By: Phelize Bristol ’19  Monday, April 15, 2019 10:05 AM

WMUH celebrated the 70th anniversary of its first official meeting with an exhibit at Trexler Library last spring. This academic year marks 70 years on the air.

This year, Muhlenberg’s radio station, WMUH, celebrates 70 years of being “The Only Station That Matters.” An exhibit last spring at Trexler Library cataloged the station’s history with archival items such as a quilt made from a variety of WMUH T-shirts, news clippings from the 20th century and a photo of the station’s original members. WMUH began with a club meeting of 10 students on February 26, 1948. The first broadcast from the station aired later that year, on November 4.

“I think the fact that we have been here for 70 years says something about what we do,” says General Manager Paul Krempasky. Krempasky was a volunteer community DJ at the station for more than 30 years before beginning his current role in June 2017. “We have played an important role in radio, in the community. We are the birthplace of community radio in the Lehigh Valley.”

WMUH is known for its 24/7 broadcasting, for its programming—including one of the longest running arts and culture shows in the Lehigh Valley, Art News—and for its musical diversity, including shows like Music of India, Latin Sunday and Festa d’Italia.  

Krempasky has launched programming that celebrates the College. For example, Muhlenberg’s Theatre and Dance Departments promote their offerings in a monthly show that’s both broadcast and available for streaming. Additionally, Krempasky has worked with the “Living Writers” series by broadcasting interviews with the authors when they come to campus. There are also programs featuring staff from the Office of Student Engagement, Counseling Services and the Career Center. “We’re trying to get all aspects of the College involved and let them know, not only are we here, but we are here to help them promote their message,” Krempasky says.

What has kept WMUH going for so long is constant support from volunteers—both community members and students—and listeners (approximately 10,000 each hour, on average). “WMUH is unique, and we couldn’t do it without the support of both College and community,” Krempasky says. “I would like to see another 70 years.” If you would like to support WMUH, click here.